Chocolate is a mixture of cocoa paste, cocoa butter, and sugar. Nowadays, we know its precise chemical composition. It is considered as a complimentary food, since all three organic substances exist (although not well balanced): carbohydrates (starch, diverse sugars), fats (cocoa butter), and vegetable proteins.

Minerals can also be found in chocolate: potassium and magnesium in large amounts, calcium and sodium in small amounts, and iron in trace amounts. Chocolate also contains vitamins A1, B1, B2, D, and E.

HIGH-ENERGY IN TINY SQUARESConsidering its ingredients, chocolate has exceptional nutritional qualities. It is, therefore, a high-energy food in relatively small volume; athletic people are among those who eat chocolate regularly , since it offers rapidly available energy. It is considered a food for effort whether intellectual or physical. What, however, is accurate concerning its other attributedproperties mentioned above?

THE BENEFITS OF CHOCOLATEThe pharmaco-dynamic substances (those whose action is similar to medications) found in chocolate are responsible for its reputation concerning its abilities. Four of these such substances can be found in chocolate: theobromine, caffeine, phenylethylamine, and serotonin. They appear in a negligible quantity, but each in infinitely small quantities plays an important role. Theobromine stimulates the central nervous system, facilitates muscular efforts, as well as having diuretic and cardiotonic action. It is an orexigan (appetite stimulator). Caffeine increases resistance towards fatigue, favorises intellectual activity, and increases watchfulness. Concerning phenylethylamine, it has a chemical structure similar toamphetamines and therefore contains psycho-stimulating properties. Serotonin, on the other hand, is a neurotransmitter (substance freed by the nerve endings) in the cerebral cortex--its quantity is often found to be lower during certain nervous depression states. The serotonin found in chocolate helps correct its initial loss. Likewise, the caffeine and saccharose stimulate the body's stimulation of serotonin. Finally, due to the pleasure it offers, chocolate stimulates endorphin secretion thus procuring naturally the same effects as opium. With this description of chocolate's chemical composition, it's never-ending list of vertues are easily explained.

SWEET OR APHRODISIAC?Yes, chocolate can be a stimulant, euphorisant, and anti-depressor. Is it an aphrodisiac as well? No scientific response has been offered to date. Nevertheless, this idea goes back to the beginnings of civilization, even before its arrival in Europe: it was the 16th century, while the Aztecs prepared a drink called tchocoatl (made of cocoa nibs) known for itsnourishing, fortifying, and even aphrodisiac qualities...

Cardiotonic - it improves the pumping action of the heart... at first the heart will pump more blood to the circulation thus improving the circulation to the organs in this case the brain... so aun kaya ko naalala na parang caffeine ung theobromine.